Wednesday, Mar. 15th, 2023

12TH Red Ants Pants Music Festival Releases 2023 Side Stage Lineup

Full Main Stage Lineup Release & Regular Tickets to go on sale April 1, 2023
 
(White Sulphur Springs, Mont.) – The Red Ants Pants Music Festival released its 2023 Side Stage Lineup today as one of the highlights of the event which will take place on the Jackson Ranch in White Sulphur Springs, Montana July 27 – 30, 2023. As the festival heads toward its 12th annual event, the Side Stage has become an increasingly known for supporting rising stars and creating lasting connections for both musicians and fans. 
 
The 2023 Red Ants Pants Music Festival Side Stage features 16 acts.
 

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Montana Fish & Wildlife Conservation Trust and Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation Announce Multiple New Land Acquisitions

Helena, MT - The Montana Fish & Wildlife Conservation Trust (the Trust) and Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation (the Foundation) today announce multiple new land acquisitions which secure key public access for hunting, hiking and fishing and conserve critical lands to preserve Montana’s outdoor legacy for future generations.

The purchases were made possible through funding provided by the Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Trust. The Trust was established by the U.S. Congress in 1998 and funded from the sale of cabin sites on Canyon Ferry Reservoir, land previously leased from the Federal government. The Trust serves to provide a permanent source of grant funding for the acquisition of publicly accessible land in Montana which:


· Restore and conserve fisheries habitat, including riparian habitat,
· Restore and conserve wildlife habitat,
· Enhance public hunting, fishing and recreational opportunities, or
· Improve public access to public lands.

The Foundation serves as Trust manager and has increased its value from its original $14.9m to roughly $28m and now provides about $1m annually to high priority access sites in Montana.

Over the last year, Trust funding has supported key acquisition efforts such as:

40-Acre Tract West of Radersburg, MT

The 40-acre tract is located wholly within the Forest Service property west of Radersburg. The Forest Service has identified the acquisition of this undeveloped inholding property as critical to prevent the property from being sold and developed – which would adversely impact the wildlife value and public use of the surrounding Forest Service properties. The Foundation invested in this property with Trust funds and will hold until USFS has inholding dollars ready to purchase it at appraised value.


Big Snowy Mountains Acquisition- Golden Valley County

Through a model partnership effort between the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, MT Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and dedicated landowners, this project is now in public ownership and managed by the MTFWP. The Property was previously owned by Forest Allen, a Montana rancher who donated the Property to the Montana-based Shodair Children’s Hospital (SCH) in 2019.


RMEF purchased the property and simultaneously conveyed it to the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks. This project will result in a new Big Snowy Mountains Wildlife Management Area. The property will be available for public use once prepared for safe and managed usage.

Partial funding for the project was provided to the RMEF through a disbursement from the Trust.

Willow Creek Acquisition- Mount Haggin Wildlife Management Area Addition-Deer Lodge County

Together with the RMEF, MTFWP and conservation-minded landowners, the 827-acre parcel of land will now be included in Montana’s largest Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The Property is adjacent to the WMA and contains winter and summer range and provides elk calving/fawning ground and open space. The property includes portions of both Willow Creek and Mill Creek and riparian areas.


Partial funding for the project was provided to the RMEF through a disbursement from the Trust.

Seymour Creek Big Hole River Acquisition- Deerlodge and Beaverhead Counties

The acquisition will open approximately 3,600 acres to public access and improve public access to surrounding state and federal land and provide access to the popular Big Hole River.

This Project was a national priority acquisition for the Montana/Dakotas BLM State Office and RMEF as it provides important elk, moose and mule deer habitat, and acquisition will protect a significant portion of the Big Hole River and riparian area along Seymour Creek.

Partial funding for the project was provided to the RMEF through a disbursement from the Trust.

About the Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Trust.

The Montana Fish & Wildlife Conservation Trust was established by the U.S. Congress in 1998, funded by proceeds from the sale of cabin sites on Canyon Ferry Reservoir that had previously been leased from the Federal government. The purpose of the trust is to provide a permanent source of funding through grants for the acquisition of publicly accessible land in Montana.

By 2004, the initial value of this trust was $14,945,403. As of December 31, 2022 the value of the Trust has grown to approximately $28,204,079. Grants to date are $15,945,297.

The Trust is managed by Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation, as trustee.

About Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation

Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation is the primary non-profit partner of Montana’s Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department. By working collaboratively with the state agency responsible for the management of Montana’s fish and wildlife resources and Montana’s state parks, the Foundation is assured the projects they support are scientifically sound and represent the highest priority conservation opportunities in the state.

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Tuesday, Mar. 14th, 2023

Taylor Burlage’s newest single “Gone Sometimes”

"Taylor Burlage holds his own against the champions of Americana music. You can't help but be captivated by his enchanting storytelling and its timeless accompaniment. His new record is the kind of thing you put on and lose track of time to; a mesmerizing journey that you'll take again and again" --Kayti Korte, Morris Mountain Productions Studios

Taylor’s song “Gone Sometimes” from his upcoming debut album captures the rhythm of the road and the loneliness one can feel on it. With a kickdrum like a heartbeat, this song relentlessly pulls you towards home on a road paved with an acoustic guitar, fiddle and mandolin.

Over the years Taylor’s songwriting has taken on a texture reflective of the mountains of Southwest Montana that he grew up in, using their power and imagery to craft songs that navigate life, loss, and the joys and heartbreak of the human condition. His debut album is set to be released on May 5th, 2023.

Taylor explains the inspiration behind the track:

This song is a love song to the partner that is often left behind at home while the other leaves for work, or has to be on the road more often than not. This came about because of a relationship that I was in and this exact predicament is what led to its ending. It was difficult to balance my need to make music and the needs of that partner and this is a song of how that could have been different.

LINKS:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0H1NSRyfgFiVanCf3HQkyr?si=u5521a2aR6iSUkdqLMadMw Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/qbGwV
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taylorburlagemusic
Instagram: @taylorburlage
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MMwBjbjkZo
Website: https://taylorburlage.com/

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Thinking About Becoming a Blogger?

So, you want to start a lifestyle blog or vlog but don’t know where to begin. Don’t worry, many successful bloggers felt just like you. When you decide you start a blog, there’s a right way and a wrong way. That’s where this guide comes into play. Read on to learn the steps to setting up and running a lifestyle blog or vlog.

Define Your Niche

Before you write your first word or record your first video, you need to define your niche. Think about your passions. Do you want to focus on frugal living hacks or tips for the perfect home garden? One choice isn’t better than the other it just depends on where your passions lie since you will have to discuss your niche topic constantly.

What do you look forward to doing in your free time? It’s these activities you should consider when defining your niche. It’s also important to mention that no one niche is oversaturated. Yes, there might be others talking about the same thing. However, you can zero in even more to reach a more specific group of people.

Have the Right Equipment

Having the right equipment is just as important as knowing what you want to write or vlog about. While you don’t need to have an elaborate setup to get started, you do need to have a computer, video equipment for vlogs, and pay for a domain. If things take off and you become a full-time content creator, you’d need to invest in high-end equipment. If you’re ready to give it your all and really want to have everything you need, like a recording room or designated office space, you’ll need to have the money to set it up.

While many don’t recommend investing thousands at first, you still might not have what you need to get things off the ground, especially if you prefer video over traditional blogging. If this is the case, you could consider getting a personal loan to buy everything you need. On the Navient Marketplace Blog, you can find a variety of information about personal loans. After checking it out, you’ll be able to decide if applying is the right decision. Keep in mind that it’s usually better to hold off a bit before spending a lot of money. However, there’s nothing wrong with researching and weighing all your options.

Choose Your Platform

You also need to pick a domain name and platform. WordPress offers free packages; however, you won't be able access other customized features or make the domain name your own unless you pay. If you plan on vlogging, then YouTube is where you want to be. But let’s go back to the blogging platforms for a moment.

In addition to WordPress, you can also use SquareSpace. Both platforms have their pros and cons, including feature accessibility and price. Your domain name is also important. You’ll want to choose a name that stands out from the rest. Don’t worry if this takes a little time to finalize. Your name should be one that people quickly associate with your brand. You can always use a name generator for ideas if you can’t come up with one you like on your own.

Branding and Design

Albeit a YouTube channel or website, you’ll want to create a visually appealing place for your audience to visit. On YouTube, create an interesting thumbnail and banner. Be sure to keep things classy and avoid copying others. If you have a website, think about your niche, and apply color theory to evoke emotion. If you plan on starting a blog about mindfulness and positivity, you’d want to use a color palette that’s calming and happy. The goal is to create a reason for users who visit to stick around and read what you’ve written.

Create High-Quality Content

Your content should always be worth reading or watching. While some influencers might be able to churn out low-brow content and still get views, it probably won’t work for you. Especially when you’re just starting out, your content needs to entice people to follow along. It needs to resonate with them on a deeper level and convince them to come back for more. Truth be told, creating content that continually delights the masses takes work. You should already have at least two weeks, if not 30 days, worth of content ideas mapped out before you go live.

 

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Hunter and Bowhunter Education classes offered in southwestern Montana

In-person classes offer hands-on learning opportunities for new hunters 


BOZEMAN – Hunter and Bowhunter Education classes will be offered in several locations throughout southwestern Montana this year. Many of these classes have been scheduled and will soon be opened for registration.  

Hunter and Bowhunter Education classes are taught by skilled volunteer instructors, offering hands-on learning experiences and opportunities for students to ask questions of experienced hunters. Students learn how to handle firearms and archery equipment safely, basic survival skills, hunting ethics, wildlife management, game identification, landowner-hunter relations, and Montana hunting laws and regulations. 

Montana law requires that anyone born after Jan. 1, 1985, complete a Hunter Education class or qualify as a youth apprentice hunter before purchasing a Montana hunting license. All first-time bowhunters must complete a Bowhunter Education course or show proof of a prior year’s archery license from another state or province.  

All classes are free. Students must be at least 10 years old to take a Hunter Education class. Students must be at least 12 years old by Jan. 16, 2024, to take a Bowhunter Education class.  

The following courses have been scheduled in southwest Montana: 
• Whitehall: Hunter Education, starting March 14 
• Twin Bridges: Hunter Education, starting March 20 
• Clancy: Hunter Education, starting March 30 
• Twin Bridges: Bowhunter Education, starting April 3 
• Helena: Hunter Education, starting April 14 
• Butte: Hunter Education, starting April 17 
• Bozeman: Hunter Education, starting April 24 
• Logan: Hunter Education, starting May 8 
• Helena: Bowhunter Education, starting June 2 
• Belgrade: Hunter Education, starting June 9 
• Helena: Hunter Education, starting June 16 
• Logan: Hunter Education, starting July 17 

Hunter and Bowhunter Education courses are being planned in other areas. FWP’s website will be updated periodically as classes are arranged. To see what classes are available or to sign up, visit fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education.

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Montana State biomechanics researcher featured in Washington Post story

Scott Monfort, middle, with Jim Becker, left, conducting research in MSU's Neuromuscular Biomechanics Lab. MSU photo by Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez


BOZEMAN
— A Montana State University researcher whose work is focused on reducing knee injuries and improving rehabilitation was recently featured in The Washington Post.

The Feb. 27 article, “Researchers are exploring how the brain helps prevent knee injuries,” extensively quotes Scott Monfort, co-director of MSU’s Neuromuscular Biomechanics Laboratory, and cites two recent papers he co-authored.

The article summarizes recent findings about the role that cognitive processes play in the risk and incidence of knee injuries. According to the story, roughly 200,000 people in the U.S. strain or tear the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, in their knee each year, and Monfort’s research is at the forefront of understanding new ways those injuries can be prevented and recovery from them.

“It’s becoming increasingly clear that how people mentally process the environment around them can affect their risk of sustaining a musculoskeletal injury,” Monfort said in a recent interview. “Understanding that allows us to develop new and more effective screening tools and training and rehabilitation methods.”

The basic explanation that’s emerging is that when cognitive process are stressed — such as when a soccer player is processing the movement of players around them and making quick decisions about the game — the brain has added difficulty planning safe and effective movements in the split second before a ligament is strained or torn, said Monfort, assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering in MSU’s Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering.

One of Monfort’s papers cited in the story and originally published in 2019 in the American Journal of Sports Medicine measured cognitive factors related to risky knee movements — in which the leg bends sideways at angles approaching the point at which a ligament strain or tear could occur — in 15 collegiate club soccer players. Monfort and his collaborators used specialized cameras to track leg movements while the players conducted movement exercises, including some that involved concentrating on the task of dribbling a soccer ball. Separate tests were used to measure the players’ cognitive abilities, including visual memory and reaction time. The researchers found that participants with the worst visual-spatial memory had the largest increase in risky knee movement when they had to move while also dribbling the ball.

In another study, published last fall, Monfort and his co-authors measured single-leg balance among athletes who were recovering from ACL injury and found distinct differences in balance control compared to the control group when a cognitive challenge was added during the balance task. That study further reiterates the potential for cognitive interventions to reveal lingering neuromuscular impairments after injury, he said.

Currently, Monfort is leading a project funded by $300,000 from the National Institutes of Health that’s aimed at refining understanding of how integrating cognitive tasks into rehabilitation exercises could improve recovery of ACL injuries. The project is co-led at MSU by Keith Hutchison, professor in the Department of Psychology in MSU’s College of Letters and Science, and James Becker, associate professor in the Department of Health and Human Development in MSU’s College of Education, Health and Human Development, who co-directs the biomechanics lab with Monfort. The study also includes Ohio University researchers Janet Simon and Dustin Grooms, who was also quoted in the story in The Washington Post.

The MSU Neuromuscular Biomechanics Laboratory is equipped with sensors in the floor and specialized cameras that can track and measure participants’ motions. The lab also has devices to measure participants’ strength and even how certain parts of the brain are activated during tasks.

“We have an interdisciplinary research group and a unique facility that allows us to explore some of these new frontiers of injury prevention and rehabilitation,” Monfort said. “This is a great place to work on this and an exciting time to be working in a growing research area.”

“Our vision is to take what we’re doing and make a positive impact on injury prevention and rehabilitation,” Monfort said.

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Monday, Mar. 13th, 2023

No-Coast Entertainment Presents “Rappin The Rivers Festival” 2 Day Concert with Camping

Three Forks, Montana – No-Coast Entertainment presents - ‘Rappin The Rivers Festival”, taking place August 18th & 19th 2023 at The Bridge near Three Forks Montana, where they have held the legendary Rocking TheRivers Festival every summer for the last 23 years. This event is a two-day festival of live Rap / Hip Hop and EDM performances, as well as camping options and many of your favorite merchandising and food vendors.

List of acts includes Asher Roth w/a live band, Mac Lethal, Dirtysnatcha, Chevy Woods, Stevie Stone, The Luniz, OG Nixin, Total Devastation, Odd Squad Family, Carnage The Executioner, Stagga Lee, Statik G, Filth and Foul, and many more to be announced.

No-Coast Entertainment is proud to bring Rappin The Rivers Festival to Three Forks Montana for the first-ever Montana Rap and EDM festival. Rappin The Rivers will provide an entertaining and safe summer atmosphere for concertgoers, combining live music and the great outdoors with camping and RV spots available. Providing 2 stages with live music on Aug 18th from 5pm-3am and Aug 19th from 12pm-3am.

As well as the music, RappinThe Rivers will host numerous other awarded events within the event including MC Battle, Dance Contest, Comedy Contest, Best Moustache, Best Belt Buckle, and Beauty Pageant including awards for King & Queen of “Rappin The Rivers Festival 2023”.

All tickets for the festival are available on Eventbrite. “Early Bird” two-day concert passes are currently on sale for just $80 each, and two-day “Early Bird” camping passes are on sale for just $70. Ticket prices will go up on May 1st when No-Coast Entertainment announces the fully completed lineup.

Rappin The Rivers Festival will be the ultimate experience of the summer if you are truly a lover of live music and the outdoors. Please come and be a part of history at the inaugural ceremony that will be Rappin TheRivers Festival 2023.

Nickel Barney of No-Coast Entertainment has been booking and promoting live concerts and events across the northwest since 1998 and has worked with many of the best in the business. Now No-Coast Entertainment has teamed up with the folks at legendary Rockin The Rivers to help bring you something new this summer. We have only announced a portion of our full line up so stay tuned.

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Sunday, Mar. 12th, 2023

Highland Glen Ski Trail Rescue

On March 11, 2023, at 3:46pm Gallatin County Dispatch received a 911 call for a cross country skier on the Highland Glen Ski Trail who had a possible broken leg.  The patients skiing partner stayed with them and provided updates to responding units but needed assistance getting the patient off the trail.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the Valley Section responded to the trail after Bozeman Fire personnel requested their assistance transporting the patient.Search and Rescue volunteers deployed with a tracked Side by Side to the skier’s location.  The patient was transported off the ski trail and transferred to an awaiting AMR ambulance. The patient was ultimately transported to Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center for further evaluation.

Sheriff Springer would like to remind recreationalists that accidents can happen anywhere and anytime.  Always recreating with a partner and having a communication device can greatly help emergency responders, should your adventure not go as planned.

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Friday, Mar. 10th, 2023

Bacon Rind Avalanche

On March 9, 2023 at 4:44 pm, Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue was requested to assist Yellowstone National Park with an avalanche search in the Bacon Rind area on Gallatin Road near mile marker 23. The reporting party was concerned that the slide was recent, and someone could be trapped, so they conducted a search from a safe distance with their avalanche beacon. The skier’s beacon picked up a signal indicating a person with a beacon was possibly in the debris.

To assist Yellowstone National Park, Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) activated the Big Sky Section, West Yellowstone Section, Valley Section, Heli Team, SAR Dogs, and SAR Comms. A hasty team of National Park Service Rangers and GCSSAR volunteers responded to the avalanche debris field. The hasty team conducted a thorough beacon search and searched the area with a dog trained for avalanche victim detection. An investigation was conducted to identify vehicles in the area and check on the status of the owners. The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center was contacted for recent avalanche history in the area. The ground search did not find any indicators of buried victims and the investigation determined there weren’t any vehicles with unaccounted for individuals. With all of these factors considered, the search was concluded.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to thank the reporting party who saw reason for concern and brought the information to the attention of the National Park Service. With the multitude of recreational opportunities in this area, it is often a member of the public who first recognizes a potential emergency and brings those facts to our attention for investigation. Sheriff Springer would also like to thank the Search and Rescue volunteers who were ready and willing to dedicate their time and effort to conducting a detailed search, ensuring a safe conclusion to this event.

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Magic Monster Show Brings Kids’ Ideas to Life


You won’t find anyone pulling a rabbit out of hat, but you will meet furry magic monsters, and experience a zany show created right before your eyes! The only offering of its kind in Montana, Random Acts of Silliness (RAS) presents a delightfully quirky performance that combines the whimsy of puppetry with the high jinks of improv comedy. Each show is hosted by one of RAS’ adorably fuzzy Silly Monster Mascots: Roxy, Boomer and GoGo, with propelled by a team of adult actors who improvise silly scenes and stories inspired by suggestions gathered from the audience.

“In a world where kids’ wacky ideas are sometimes ignored, the Magic Monster Show embraces and delights in them. “Young people love to see adults taking their suggestions seriously, and the results are hilarious,” says director Sarah Henderson.

This storytelling style is freewheeling and spontaneous, not linear — and both children and adults delight in it. In a recent Valentine’s-themed show, suggestions from the audience resulted in a grumpy monkey falling in love with a cupcake, magical dough in a bakery yielding a unicorn, and a timid daisy befriending a terrifying snake-like sprinkler in a garden.

The show regularly hits maximum capacity, demonstrating a clear need for more family-friendly theater experiences in the Gallatin Valley. RAS wants everyone to have access to the show, so tickets are free, with a suggested donation of $10/ticket for those whose budget allows. RAS is able to offer free tickets to more than half of all attendees thanks to generous support from sponsors Dino Drop In and Rialto Bozeman.

“At the Rialto, our mission is to provide a welcoming venue and event space that enhances the adventurous nature of our community. We are thrilled to be able to support Random Acts of Silliness as they make family-friendly theater and art accessible to all members of the community,” says General Manager, Kristen Neithercut. “On top of that, their shows bring lots of laughs from kids and adults alike—and let’s be real—life is better when we’re laughing.”

Each show also features live musical accompaniment by Cody Henderson, with puppeteers Wren and Michael Garverick bringing Roxy, Boomer and GoGo to life. Well-known local performers Naomi Shafer, Hannah Smith, Elizabeth Noonan, Bennett Drozic, Isabel Huston and John Townsend-Mehler make up the cast of silly improvisers.

Intrigued? You can catch an outer space-themed Magic Monster Show at the Rialto on March 25th , a wildlife-themed show at the Earth Day Festival on April 22nd , and an enchanted kingdom-themed show on April 29th, all at the Rialto. These shows are fun for all ages, but best suited for a K-5 audience.

For more information about the Magic Monster Show, Random Acts of Silliness, and to reserve seats, visit www.randomactsofsilliness.com 

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News Comments

This is so typical of a sign in, which we should not have to do to check if we or some one in our party got a permit. I have been working or "creating an account" for 30 minutes and just get the same ...

Smith River permit drawing results available

Sunday, Mar. 10, 2024

Why not leave those cheerful, colorful garlands up longer? What’s the rush?

Main Street Closed Jan 2

Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023